Reducing data transmissions in a virtual private network

ABSTRACT

A source node can append a unique identifier to an outbound client packet, transmit the outbound client packet to a recipient node via a port, and create a transmission record including: the unique identifier, a time stamp of the outbound client packet, and an identifier for the port. The source node can receive an inbound client packet that is appended with the unique identifier and a delta time indicating an amount of elapsed time between the recipient node receiving the outbound client packet and the recipient node transmitting the inbound client packet. The source node can determine a performance level of a VPN tunnel provided by the port based on the time stamp value of the outbound client packet, the delta time, and a time stamp value of the inbound client packet indicating a time at which the inbound client packet was received by the source node.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates in general to the field of computer networks and, more particularly, pertains to reducing data transmissions in a virtual private network.

BACKGROUND

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) can include thousands of computing nodes in network communication with each. The computing nodes can utilize VPN tunnels to transmit and receive data packets from one another. Currently, computing nodes in a VPN transmit a high number of packets amongst each other. For example, data packets, such as HELLO ACK packets, need to be periodically sent to keep channels open between computing nodes. As another example, probe packets are regularly sent to measure performance characteristics of a VPN tunnel. In large VPNs, the load from transmitting the desired number of these data packets can overload the router. One solution is to simply reduce the number of HELLO ACK and probe packets that are transmitted between computing nodes, however this is not ideal for network performance. Accordingly, improvements are needed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to describe the manner in which the above-recited features and other advantages of the disclosure can be obtained, a more particular description of the principles briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only exemplary embodiments of the disclosure and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting its scope, the principles herein are described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an example network device according to some aspects of the subject technology;

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate an example system embodiments according to some aspects of the subject technology;

FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic block diagram of an example architecture for a network fabric;

FIG. 4 illustrates an example overlay network;

FIG. 5 illustrates a system for reducing data transmissions in a VPN;

FIG. 6 illustrates computing nodes appending client data packets to measure performance characteristics of a VPN tunnel; and

FIG. 7 illustrates an example method for reducing data transmissions in a virtual private network.

DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

The detailed description set forth below is intended as a description of various configurations of the subject technology and is not intended to represent the only configurations in which the subject technology can be practiced. The appended drawings are incorporated herein and constitute a part of the detailed description. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a more thorough understanding of the subject technology. However, it will be clear and apparent that the subject technology is not limited to the specific details set forth herein and may be practiced without these details. In some instances, structures and components are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the concepts of the subject technology.

Overview:

Disclosed are systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media for reducing data transmissions in a VPN. A source node can append a first unique identifier to a first outbound client packet scheduled to be transmitted from the source node to a first recipient node. After appending the first unique identifier to the first outbound client packet, the source node can transmit the first outbound client packet to the first recipient node via a first port of the source node, and create a first transmission record including the first unique identifier, a time stamp of the first outbound client packet, and an identifier for the first port. The time stamp value of the first outbound client packet can indicate a time at which the first outbound client packet was transmitted by the source node to the first recipient node. The source node can receive a first inbound client packet from the first recipient node. The first inbound client packet can be appended with the first unique identifier and a first delta time indicating an amount of elapsed time between the first recipient node receiving the first outbound client packet and the first recipient node transmitting the first inbound client packet. The source node can determine a performance level of a first Virtual Private Network (VPN) tunnel provided by the first port based on the time stamp value of the first outbound client packet, the first delta time, and a time stamp value of the first inbound client packet. The time stamp value of the first inbound client packet indicates a time at which the first inbound client packet was received by the source node.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Disclosed are systems and methods for reducing data transmissions in a VPN. A brief introductory description of exemplary systems and networks, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 4, is disclosed herein, followed by a discussion of reducing data transmissions in a VPN. The disclosure now turns to FIG. 1.

A computer network is a geographically distributed collection of nodes interconnected by communication links and segments for transporting data between endpoints, such as personal computers and workstations. Many types of networks are available, with the types ranging from local area networks (LANs) and wide area networks (WANs) to overlay and software-defined networks, such as virtual extensible local area networks (VXLANs).

LANs typically connect nodes over dedicated private communications links located in the same general physical location, such as a building or campus. WANs, on the other hand, typically connect geographically dispersed nodes over long-distance communications links, such as common carrier telephone lines, optical lightpaths, synchronous optical networks (SONET), or synchronous digital hierarchy (SDH) links. LANs and WANs can include layer 2 (L2) and/or layer 3 (L3) networks and devices.

The Internet is an example of a WAN that connects disparate networks throughout the world, providing global communication between nodes on various networks. The nodes typically communicate over the network by exchanging discrete frames or packets of data according to predefined protocols, such as the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP). In this context, a protocol can refer to a set of rules defining how the nodes interact with each other. Computer networks may be further interconnected by an intermediate network node, such as a router, to extend the effective “size” of each network.

Overlay networks generally allow virtual networks to be created and layered over a physical network infrastructure. Overlay network protocols, such as Virtual Extensible LAN (VXLAN), Network Virtualization using Generic Routing Encapsulation (NVGRE), Network Virtualization Overlays (NVO3), and Stateless Transport Tunneling (STT), provide a traffic encapsulation scheme which allows network traffic to be carried across L2 and L3 networks over a logical tunnel. Such logical tunnels can be originated and terminated through virtual tunnel end points (VTEPs).

Moreover, overlay networks can include virtual segments, such as VXLAN segments in a VXLAN overlay network, which can include virtual L2 and/or L3 overlay networks over which virtual machines (VMs) communicate. The virtual segments can be identified through a virtual network identifier (VNI), such as a VXLAN network identifier, which can specifically identify an associated virtual segment or domain.

Network virtualization allows hardware and software resources to be combined in a virtual network. For example, network virtualization can allow multiple numbers of VMs to be attached to the physical network via respective virtual LANs (VLANs). The VMs can be grouped according to their respective VLAN, and can communicate with other VMs as well as other devices on the internal or external network.

Network segments, such as physical or virtual segments; networks; devices; ports; physical or logical links; and/or traffic in general can be grouped into a bridge or flood domain. A bridge domain or flood domain can represent a broadcast domain, such as an L2 broadcast domain. A bridge domain or flood domain can include a single subnet, but can also include multiple subnets. Moreover, a bridge domain can be associated with a bridge domain interface on a network device, such as a switch. A bridge domain interface can be a logical interface which supports traffic between an L2 bridged network and an L3 routed network. In addition, a bridge domain interface can support internet protocol (IP) termination, VPN termination, address resolution handling, MAC addressing, etc. Both bridge domains and bridge domain interfaces can be identified by a same index or identifier.

Furthermore, endpoint groups (EPGs) can be used in a network for mapping applications to the network. In particular, EPGs can use a grouping of application endpoints in a network to apply connectivity and policy to the group of applications. EPGs can act as a container for buckets or collections of applications, or application components, and tiers for implementing forwarding and policy logic. EPGs also allow separation of network policy, security, and forwarding from addressing by instead using logical application boundaries.

Cloud computing can also be provided in one or more networks to provide computing services using shared resources. Cloud computing can generally include Internet-based computing in which computing resources are dynamically provisioned and allocated to client or user computers or other devices on-demand, from a collection of resources available via the network (e.g., “the cloud”). Cloud computing resources, for example, can include any type of resource, such as computing, storage, and network devices, virtual machines (VMs), etc. For instance, resources may include service devices (firewalls, deep packet inspectors, traffic monitors, load balancers, etc.), compute/processing devices (servers, CPU's, memory, brute force processing capability), storage devices (e.g., network attached storages, storage area network devices), etc. In addition, such resources may be used to support virtual networks, virtual machines (VM), databases, applications (Apps), etc.

Cloud computing resources may include a “private cloud,” a “public cloud,” and/or a “hybrid cloud.” A “hybrid cloud” can be a cloud infrastructure composed of two or more clouds that inter-operate or federate through technology. In essence, a hybrid cloud is an interaction between private and public clouds where a private cloud joins a public cloud and utilizes public cloud resources in a secure and scalable manner. Cloud computing resources can also be provisioned via virtual networks in an overlay network, such as a VXLAN.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary network device 110 suitable for implementing the present technology. Network device 110 includes a master central processing unit (CPU) 162, interfaces 168, and a bus 115 (e.g., a PCI bus). When acting under the control of appropriate software or firmware, the CPU 162 is responsible for executing packet management, error detection, and/or routing functions, such policy enforcement, for example. The CPU 162 preferably accomplishes all these functions under the control of software including an operating system and any appropriate applications software. CPU 162 may include one or more processors 163 such as a processor from the Motorola family of microprocessors or the MIPS family of microprocessors. In an alternative embodiment, processor 163 is specially designed hardware for controlling the operations of router 110. In a specific embodiment, a memory 161 (such as non-volatile RAM and/or ROM) also forms part of CPU 162. However, there are many different ways in which memory could be coupled to the system.

The interfaces 168 are typically provided as interface cards (sometimes referred to as “line cards”). Generally, they control the sending and receiving of data packets over the network and sometimes support other peripherals used with the network device 110. Among the interfaces that may be provided are Ethernet interfaces, frame relay interfaces, cable interfaces, DSL interfaces, token ring interfaces, and the like. In addition, various very high-speed interfaces may be provided such as fast token ring interfaces, wireless interfaces, Ethernet interfaces, Gigabit Ethernet interfaces, ATM interfaces, HSSI interfaces, POS interfaces, FDDI interfaces and the like. Generally, these interfaces may include ports appropriate for communication with the appropriate media. In some cases, they may also include an independent processor and, in some instances, volatile RAM. The independent processors may control such communications intensive tasks as packet switching, media control, and management. By providing separate processors for the communications intensive tasks, these interfaces allow the master microprocessor 162 to efficiently perform routing computations, network diagnostics, security functions, etc.

Although the system shown in FIG. 1 is one specific network device of the present technology, it is by no means the only network device architecture on which the present technology can be implemented. For example, an architecture having a single processor that handles communications as well as routing computations, etc. is often used. Further, other types of interfaces and media could also be used with the router.

Regardless of the network device's configuration, it may employ one or more memories or memory modules (including memory 161) configured to store program instructions for the general-purpose network operations and mechanisms for roaming, route optimization and routing functions described herein. The program instructions may control the operation of an operating system and/or one or more applications, for example. The memory or memories may also be configured to store tables such as mobility binding, registration, and association tables, etc.

FIG. 2A, and FIG. 2B illustrate exemplary possible system embodiments. The more appropriate embodiment will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art when practicing the present technology. Persons of ordinary skill in the art will also readily appreciate that other system embodiments are possible.

FIG. 2A illustrates a conventional system bus computing system architecture 200 wherein the components of the system are in electrical communication with each other using a bus 205. Exemplary system 200 includes a processing unit (CPU or processor) 210 and a system bus 205 that couples various system components including the system memory 215, such as read only memory (ROM) 220 and random access memory (RAM) 225, to the processor 210. The system 200 can include a cache of high-speed memory connected directly with, in close proximity to, or integrated as part of the processor 210. The system 200 can copy data from the memory 215 and/or the storage device 230 to the cache 212 for quick access by the processor 210. In this way, the cache can provide a performance boost that avoids processor 210 delays while waiting for data. These and other modules can control or be configured to control the processor 210 to perform various actions. Other system memory 215 may be available for use as well. The memory 215 can include multiple different types of memory with different performance characteristics. The processor 210 can include any general purpose processor and a hardware module or software module, such as module 1 232, module 2 234, and module 3 236 stored in storage device 230, configured to control the processor 210 as well as a special-purpose processor where software instructions are incorporated into the actual processor design. The processor 210 may essentially be a completely self-contained computing system, containing multiple cores or processors, a bus, memory controller, cache, etc. A multi-core processor may be symmetric or asymmetric.

To enable user interaction with the computing device 200, an input device 245 can represent any number of input mechanisms, such as a microphone for speech, a touch-sensitive screen for gesture or graphical input, keyboard, mouse, motion input, speech and so forth. An output device 235 can also be one or more of a number of output mechanisms known to those of skill in the art. In some instances, multimodal systems can enable a user to provide multiple types of input to communicate with the computing device 200. The communications interface 240 can generally govern and manage the user input and system output. There is no restriction on operating on any particular hardware arrangement and therefore the basic features here may easily be substituted for improved hardware or firmware arrangements as they are developed.

Storage device 230 is a non-volatile memory and can be a hard disk or other types of computer readable media which can store data that are accessible by a computer, such as magnetic cassettes, flash memory cards, solid state memory devices, digital versatile disks, cartridges, random access memories (RAMs) 225, read only memory (ROM) 220, and hybrids thereof.

The storage device 230 can include software modules 232, 234, 236 for controlling the processor 210. Other hardware or software modules are contemplated. The storage device 230 can be connected to the system bus 205. In one aspect, a hardware module that performs a particular function can include the software component stored in a computer-readable medium in connection with the necessary hardware components, such as the processor 210, bus 205, display 235, and so forth, to carry out the function.

FIG. 2B illustrates a computer system 250 having a chipset architecture that can be used in executing the described method and generating and displaying a graphical user interface (GUI). Computer system 250 is an example of computer hardware, software, and firmware that can be used to implement the disclosed technology. System 250 can include a processor 255, representative of any number of physically and/or logically distinct resources capable of executing software, firmware, and hardware configured to perform identified computations. Processor 255 can communicate with a chipset 260 that can control input to and output from processor 255. In this example, chipset 260 outputs information to output 265, such as a display, and can read and write information to storage device 270, which can include magnetic media, and solid state media, for example. Chipset 260 can also read data from and write data to RAM 275. A bridge 280 for interfacing with a variety of user interface components 285 can be provided for interfacing with chipset 260. Such user interface components 285 can include a keyboard, a microphone, touch detection and processing circuitry, a pointing device, such as a mouse, and so on. In general, inputs to system 250 can come from any of a variety of sources, machine generated and/or human generated.

Chipset 260 can also interface with one or more communication interfaces 290 that can have different physical interfaces. Such communication interfaces can include interfaces for wired and wireless local area networks, for broadband wireless networks, as well as personal area networks. Some applications of the methods for generating, displaying, and using the GUI disclosed herein can include receiving ordered datasets over the physical interface or be generated by the machine itself by processor 255 analyzing data stored in storage 270 or 275. Further, the machine can receive inputs from a user via user interface components 285 and execute appropriate functions, such as browsing functions by interpreting these inputs using processor 255.

It can be appreciated that exemplary systems 200 and 250 can have more than one processor 210 or be part of a group or cluster of computing devices networked together to provide greater processing capability.

FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic block diagram of an example architecture 300 for a network fabric 312. The network fabric 312 can include spine switches 302 _(A), 302 _(B), . . . , 302 _(N) (collectively “302”) connected to leaf switches 304 _(A), 304 _(B), 304 _(C) . . . 304 _(N) (collectively “304”) in the network fabric 312.

Spine switches 302 can be L3 switches in the fabric 312. However, in some cases, the spine switches 302 can also, or otherwise, perform L2 functionalities. Further, the spine switches 302 can support various capabilities, such as 40 or 10 Gbps Ethernet speeds. To this end, the spine switches 302 can include one or more 40 Gigabit Ethernet ports. Each port can also be split to support other speeds. For example, a 40 Gigabit Ethernet port can be split into four 10 Gigabit Ethernet ports.

In some embodiments, one or more of the spine switches 302 can be configured to host a proxy function that performs a lookup of the endpoint address identifier to locator mapping in a mapping database on behalf of leaf switches 304 that do not have such mapping. The proxy function can do this by parsing through the packet to the encapsulated tenant packet to get to the destination locator address of the tenant. The spine switches 302 can then perform a lookup of their local mapping database to determine the correct locator address of the packet and forward the packet to the locator address without changing certain fields in the header of the packet.

When a packet is received at a spine switch 302 _(i), the spine switch 302 _(i) can first check if the destination locator address is a proxy address. If so, the spine switch 302 _(i) can perform the proxy function as previously mentioned. If not, the spine switch 302 _(i) can look up the locator in its forwarding table and forward the packet accordingly.

Spine switches 302 connect to leaf switches 304 in the fabric 312. Leaf switches 304 can include access ports (or non-fabric ports) and fabric ports. Fabric ports can provide uplinks to the spine switches 302, while access ports can provide connectivity for devices, hosts, endpoints, VMs, or external networks to the fabric 312.

Leaf switches 304 can reside at the edge of the fabric 312, and can thus represent the physical network edge. In some cases, the leaf switches 304 can be top-of-rack (“ToR”) switches configured according to a ToR architecture. In other cases, the leaf switches 304 can be aggregation switches in any particular topology, such as end-of-row (EoR) or middle-of-row (MoR) topologies. The leaf switches 304 can also represent aggregation switches, for example.

The leaf switches 304 can be responsible for routing and/or bridging the tenant packets and applying network policies. In some cases, a leaf switch can perform one or more additional functions, such as implementing a mapping cache, sending packets to the proxy function when there is a miss in the cache, encapsulate packets, enforce ingress or egress policies, etc.

Moreover, the leaf switches 304 can contain virtual switching functionalities, such as a virtual tunnel endpoint (VTEP) function as explained below in the discussion of VTEP 408 in FIG. 4. To this end, leaf switches 304 can connect the fabric 312 to an overlay network, such as overlay network 400 illustrated in FIG. 4.

Network connectivity in the fabric 312 can flow through the leaf switches 304. Here, the leaf switches 304 can provide servers, resources, endpoints, external networks, or VMs access to the fabric 312, and can connect the leaf switches 304 to each other. In some cases, the leaf switches 304 can connect EPGs to the fabric 312 and/or any external networks. Each EPG can connect to the fabric 312 via one of the leaf switches 304, for example.

Endpoints 310A-E (collectively “310”) can connect to the fabric 312 via leaf switches 304. For example, endpoints 310A and 310B can connect directly to leaf switch 304A, which can connect endpoints 310A and 310B to the fabric 312 and/or any other one of the leaf switches 304. Similarly, endpoint 310E can connect directly to leaf switch 304C, which can connect endpoint 310E to the fabric 312 and/or any other of the leaf switches 304. On the other hand, endpoints 310C and 310D can connect to leaf switch 304B via L2 network 306. Similarly, the wide area network (WAN) can connect to the leaf switches 304C or 304D via L3 network 308.

Endpoints 310 can include any communication device, such as a computer, a server, a switch, a router, etc. In some cases, the endpoints 310 can include a server, hypervisor, or switch configured with a VTEP functionality which connects an overlay network, such as overlay network 400 below, with the fabric 312. For example, in some cases, the endpoints 310 can represent one or more of the VTEPs 408A-D illustrated in FIG. 4. Here, the VTEPs 408A-D can connect to the fabric 312 via the leaf switches 304. The overlay network can host physical devices, such as servers, applications, EPGs, virtual segments, virtual workloads, etc. In addition, the endpoints 310 can host virtual workload(s), clusters, and applications or services, which can connect with the fabric 312 or any other device or network, including an external network. For example, one or more endpoints 310 can host, or connect to, a cluster of load balancers or an EPG of various applications.

Although the fabric 312 is illustrated and described herein as an example leaf-spine architecture, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that the subject technology can be implemented based on any network fabric, including any data center or cloud network fabric. Indeed, other architectures, designs, infrastructures, and variations are contemplated herein.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary overlay network 400. Overlay network 400 uses an overlay protocol, such as VXLAN, VGRE, VO3, or STT, to encapsulate traffic in L2 and/or L3 packets which can cross overlay L3 boundaries in the network. As illustrated in FIG. 4, overlay network 400 can include hosts 406A-D interconnected via network 402.

Network 402 can include a packet network, such as an IP network, for example. Moreover, network 402 can connect the overlay network 400 with the fabric 312 in FIG. 3. For example, VTEPs 408A-D can connect with the leaf switches 304 in the fabric 312 via network 402.

Hosts 406A-D include virtual tunnel end points (VTEP) 408A-D, which can be virtual nodes or switches configured to encapsulate and de-encapsulate data traffic according to a specific overlay protocol of the network 400, for the various virtual network identifiers (VNIDs) 410A-I. Moreover, hosts 406A-D can include servers containing a VTEP functionality, hypervisors, and physical switches, such as L3 switches, configured with a VTEP functionality. For example, hosts 406A and 406B can be physical switches configured to run VTEPs 408A-B. Here, hosts 406A and 406B can be connected to servers 404A-D, which, in some cases, can include virtual workloads through VMs loaded on the servers, for example.

In some embodiments, network 400 can be a VXLAN network, and VTEPs 408A-D can be VXLAN tunnel end points (VTEP). However, as one of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize, network 400 can represent any type of overlay or software-defined network, such as NVGRE, STT, or even overlay technologies yet to be invented.

The VNIDs can represent the segregated virtual networks in overlay network 400. Each of the overlay tunnels (VTEPs 408A-D) can include one or more VNIDs. For example, VTEP 408A can include VNIDs 1 and 2, VTEP 408B can include VNIDs 1 and 2, VTEP 408C can include VNIDs 1 and 2, and VTEP 408D can include VNIDs 1-3. As one of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize, any particular VTEP can, in other embodiments, have numerous VNIDs, including more than the 3 VNIDs illustrated in FIG. 4.

The traffic in overlay network 400 can be segregated logically according to specific VNIDs. This way, traffic intended for VNID 1 can be accessed by devices residing in VNID 1, while other devices residing in other VNIDs (e.g., VNIDs 2 and 3) can be prevented from accessing such traffic. In other words, devices or endpoints connected to specific VNIDs can communicate with other devices or endpoints connected to the same specific VNIDs, while traffic from separate VNIDs can be isolated to prevent devices or endpoints in other specific VNIDs from accessing traffic in different VNIDs.

Servers 404A-D and VMs 404E-I can connect to their respective VNID or virtual segment, and communicate with other servers or VMs residing in the same VNID or virtual segment. For example, server 404A can communicate with server 404C and VMs 404E and 404G because they all reside in the same VNID, viz., VNID 1. Similarly, server 404B can communicate with VMs 404F and 404H because they all reside in VNID 2. VMs 404E-I can host virtual workloads, which can include application workloads, resources, and services, for example. However, in some cases, servers 404A-D can similarly host virtual workloads through VMs hosted on the servers 404A-D. Moreover, each of the servers 404A-D and VMs 404E-I can represent a single server or VM, but can also represent multiple servers or VMs, such as a cluster of servers or VMs.

VTEPs 408A-D can encapsulate packets directed at the various VNIDs 1-3 in the overlay network 400 according to the specific overlay protocol implemented, such as VXLAN, so traffic can be properly transmitted to the correct VNID and recipient(s). Moreover, when a switch, router, or other network device receives a packet to be transmitted to a recipient in the overlay network 400, it can analyze a routing table, such as a lookup table, to determine where such packet needs to be transmitted so the traffic reaches the appropriate recipient. For example, if VTEP 408A receives a packet from endpoint 404B that is intended for endpoint 404H, VTEP 408A can analyze a routing table that maps the intended endpoint, endpoint 404H, to a specific switch that is configured to handle communications intended for endpoint 404H. VTEP 408A might not initially know, when it receives the packet from endpoint 404B, that such packet should be transmitted to VTEP 408D in order to reach endpoint 404H. Accordingly, by analyzing the routing table, VTEP 408A can lookup endpoint 404H, which is the intended recipient, and determine that the packet should be transmitted to VTEP 408D, as specified in the routing table based on endpoint-to-switch mappings or bindings, so the packet can be transmitted to, and received by, endpoint 404H as expected.

However, continuing with the previous example, in many instances, VTEP 408A may analyze the routing table and fail to find any bindings or mappings associated with the intended recipient, e.g., endpoint 404H. Here, the routing table may not yet have learned routing information regarding endpoint 404H. In this scenario, the VTEP 408A may likely broadcast or multicast the packet to ensure the proper switch associated with endpoint 404H can receive the packet and further route it to endpoint 404H.

In some cases, the routing table can be dynamically and continuously modified by removing unnecessary or stale entries and adding new or necessary entries, in order to maintain the routing table up-to-date, accurate, and efficient, while reducing or limiting the size of the table.

As one of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize, the examples and technologies provided above are simply for clarity and explanation purposes, and can include many additional concepts and variations.

Depending on the desired implementation in the network 400, a variety of networking and messaging protocols may be used, including but not limited to TCP/IP, open systems interconnection (OSI), file transfer protocol (FTP), universal plug and play (UpnP), network file system (NFS), common internet file system (CIFS), AppleTalk etc. As would be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the network 400 illustrated in FIG. 4 is used for purposes of explanation, a network system may be implemented with many variations, as appropriate, in the configuration of network platform in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Having disclosed a brief introductory description of exemplary systems and networks, the discussion now turns to reducing data transmissions in a VPN. Computing nodes in a VPN are tasked with transmitting a high number of data packets amongst each other for administrative purposes. For example, data packets, such as HELLO ACK packets, need to be periodically sent to keep channels open between computing nodes. Likewise, probe packets are regularly sent to measure performance characteristics of a VPN tunnel. In large VPNs, the load from transmitting the desired number of these administrative data packets can overload the router. To reduce the number of administrative data packets transmitted in a VPN, computing nodes in the VPN can be configured to append data included in an administrative data packet to client packets scheduled to be delivered to another computing node in the VPN. By appending this data to a client data packet, the number of administrative data packets transmitted amongst computing nodes can be greatly reduced or eliminated completely.

FIG. 5 illustrates a system for reducing data transmissions in a VPN. As shown, system 500 includes computing node 502 and computing node 504 in network communication with each other in a VPN. Although system 500 is shown as only including two computing nodes, this is only for purposes of explanation and is not meant to be limiting. System 500 can include any number of computing nodes in the VPN.

Computing node 502 and computing node 504 can communicate with each other via a VPN tunnel established between computing node 502 and computing node 504. A VPN tunnel can be an established link between computing nodes. Computing nodes 502 and 504 can use the VPN tunnel to transmit data packets back and forth. This can include client data packets as well as administrative data packets. A client data packet can be any data packet transmitted between computing nodes as a part of services or applications provided by the computing nodes, such as data queries, API calls, voice communications, etc. An administrative data packet can be a data packet transmitted between computing nodes for administrative purposes associated with providing or enhancing performance of the VPN. For example, administrative data packets can include HELLO ACK packets that need to be periodically sent to keep channels open between computing nodes or probe packets that are regularly sent between computing nodes to measure performance characteristics of a VPN tunnel.

To reduce the number of administrative data packets transmitted between computing nodes, computing nodes 502 and 504 can be configured to append the data included in the administrative data packets to client data packets scheduled for transmission between computing nodes 502 and 504. Many client data packets leave a portion of unused bytes that can be used to accommodate the appended data. For example, data packets transmitted in a VPN can have a capacity of 1500 bytes and a client data packet, such as a standard voice communication packet, can utilize only 800 of the 1500 bytes. Accordingly, the client data packet can include 700 unused bytes that can be utilized to store the appended data that would normally be included in an administrative data packet (e.g., a HELLO ACK or probe packet).

Prior to transmitting a client data packet, computing nodes 502 and 504 can be configured to append the client data packet with data that would normally be transmitted as a separate administrative data packet. To ensure that each data packet includes enough unused bytes for the appended data, the Maximum Transmission Unit (MTU) for a VPN tunnel can be reduced by an amount sufficient to ensure that at least a threshold amount of unused bytes remain for the appended data.

Computing nodes 502 and 504 can append a client data packet with data included in multiple types of administrative data packets. For example, a client data packet can be appended with the data that would be included in both a separate HELLO ACK and probe packet. In some embodiments, computing nodes 502 and 504 can append data to all client data packets that are scheduled for transmission to other computing nodes. Alternatively, computing nodes 502 and 504 can append client data packets as needed to satisfy a desired transmission threshold of administrative data packets. For example, computing nodes 502 and 504 can be configured to transmit a desired transmission threshold number of administrative data packets within a specified time period. In this type of embodiment, computing nodes 502 and 504 can be configured to append all client data packets until the threshold is met for each specified time period, such as every 5 seconds.

In some embodiments, computing nodes 502 and 504 can utilize a hybrid approach of appending client data packets and transmitting separate administrative data packets to satisfy a desired transmission threshold. For example, computing nodes 502 and 504 can supplement the use of appending client data packets by transmitting separate administrative data packets to satisfy the desired transmission threshold when appending client data packets alone would not be sufficient to satisfy the desired transmission threshold.

FIG. 6 illustrates computing nodes appending client data packets to measure performance characteristics of a VPN tunnel. Computing nodes 602 and 604 can append client data packets to track the transmission time of the data packets using various uplink ports and thereby determine the performance level of the corresponding VPN tunnels.

As shown, computing node 602 can transmit client data packet 606 to computing node 604 at time t1. Client data packet 606 can be appended with a unique identifier that corresponds to a transmission record maintained by computing node 602. For example, prior to transmitting client data packet 606, computing node 602 can append client data packet 606 with the unique identifier. The unique identifier can be any type of unique string, number, combination of characters, etc. The transmission record can include the unique identifier as well as a time stamp value for client data packet 606 that indicates the time (i.e., t1) at which client data packet 606 was transmitted by computing node 602 to computing node 604. After appending data packet 606 to include the unique identifier, computing node 602 can transmit data packet 606 to computing node 604 via a first uplink port of computing node 602. The first uplink port can be providing a VPN tunnel between computing node 602 and computing node 604.

Computing node 604 can receive client data packet 606 at time t2. Computing node 604 can transmit client data packet 608 to computing node 602 at time t3. Prior to transmitting client data packet 608, computing node 604 can append client data packet 608 with the unique identifier as well as a delta time indicating the amount of elapsed time between computing node 604 receiving client data packet 608 and computing node 604 transmitting client data packet 608 (i.e., the elapsed time between t2 to t3).

Computing node 602 can receive client data packet 608 at time t4. Computing node 602 can use the unique identifier included in client data packet 608 to identify the corresponding transmission record and gather the time stamp value for client data packet 606. Computing node 602 can use the time stamp value for client data packet 606, the delta time included in client data packet 608 and the time at which client data packet 608 was received (i.e., t4) to determine a total response time for the VPN tunnel. The total response time can indicate the amount of time elapsed transmitting data packets between computing nodes 602 and 604 using the VPN tunnel. For example, to calculate the total response time, computing node 602 can calculate a total response time spanning from t1 to t4, and then subtract the delta time.

Computing node 602 can use the total response time to determine a performance level of the VPN tunnel. Computing node 602 can repeat this process with multiple VPN tunnels and then prioritize use of the VPN tunnels based on their determined performance levels.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example method for reducing data transmissions in a virtual private network. It should be understood that there can be additional, fewer, or alternative steps performed in similar or alternative orders, or in parallel, within the scope of the various embodiments unless otherwise stated.

At step 702, a source node can append a first unique identifier to a first outbound client packet scheduled to be transmitted from the source node to a first recipient node. The outbound client packet can be a client data packet transmitted between the computing nodes as a part of services or applications provided by the computing nodes, such as data queries, API calls, voice communications, etc. The first unique identifier appended to the first outbound client packet can be data that would traditionally be transmitted as a separate administrative data packet. An administrative data packet can be a data packet transmitted between computing nodes for administrative purposes associated with providing or enhancing performance of the VPN network. For example, the unique identifier appended to the first outbound client packet can be data that would be included in a probe packet transmitted between computing nodes to measure performance characteristics of a VPN tunnel.

The number of data transmission in the VPN can be greatly reduced by appending the first unique identifier to the first outbound client packet rather that transmitting the first unique identifier as a separate administrative data packet.

At step 704, the source node can transmit the first outbound client packet to the first recipient node via a first port of the source node. The first port can be an uplink port used to provide a first VPN tunnel between the source node and the first recipient node. Prior to appending the first outbound client packet, a Maximum Transmission Unit (MTU) for the first VPN tunnel can be reduced to ensure that at least a threshold amount of unused bytes are available in data packets transmitted via the first VPN tunnel for appended data

At step 706, the source node can create a first transmission record including the first unique identifier, a time stamp of the first outbound client packet, and an identifier for the first port. The time stamp value of the first outbound client packet can indicate a time at which the first outbound client packet was transmitted by the source node to the first recipient node.

At step 708, the source node can receive a first inbound client packet from the first recipient node. The first inbound client packet can be appended with the first unique identifier and a first delta time indicating an amount of elapsed time between the first recipient node receiving the first outbound client packet and the first recipient node transmitting the first inbound client packet. After receiving the first inbound data packet, the source node can identify the first transmission record based on the first unique identifier included in the first inbound data packet.

At step 710, the source node can determine a performance level of a first Virtual Private Network (VPN) tunnel provided by the first port based on the time stamp value of the first outbound client packet, the first delta time, and a time stamp value of the first inbound client packet. The time stamp value of the first inbound client packet can indicate a time at which the first inbound client packet was received by the source node.

To determine the performance level of the first VPN tunnel, the source node can determine a total response time for the first VPN tunnel spanning from the time stamp value of the first outbound data packet to the time stamp value of the first inbound data packet. The source node can then subtract the first delta time from the total response time to determine an actual transmission time for the first VPN tunnel. The source node can determine the performance level of the first VPN tunnel based on the actual transmission time for the first VPN tunnel. For example, the source node can compare the actual transmission time to one or more a threshold transmission times to determine the performance level of the VPN tunnel.

In some embodiments, the source node can compare the performance of separate VPN tunnels to determine which VPN tunnel is performing better. For example, the source node can determine the performance level of a second VPN tunnel provided by a second port of the source node. The source node can then compare the performance levels of the first VPN tunnel and the second VPN tunnel. If the source node determines that, based on the performance level of the first VPN tunnel and the performance level of the second VPN tunnel, the first VPN tunnel is performing better than the second VPN tunnel, the source node can designate the first port as a preferred port. As a result, the first port and thereby the first VPN tunnel can be given priority when transmitting data packets, thereby decreasing networking latency.

As one of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize, the examples and technologies provided above are simply for clarity and explanation purposes, and can include many additional concepts and variations.

For clarity of explanation, in some instances the present technology may be presented as including individual functional blocks including functional blocks comprising devices, device components, steps or routines in a method embodied in software, or combinations of hardware and software.

In some embodiments the computer-readable storage devices, mediums, and memories can include a cable or wireless signal containing a bit stream and the like. However, when mentioned, non-transitory computer-readable storage media expressly exclude media such as energy, carrier signals, electromagnetic waves, and signals per se.

Methods according to the above-described examples can be implemented using computer-executable instructions that are stored or otherwise available from computer readable media. Such instructions can comprise, for example, instructions and data which cause or otherwise configure a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or special purpose processing device to perform a certain function or group of functions. Portions of computer resources used can be accessible over a network. The computer executable instructions may be, for example, binaries, intermediate format instructions such as assembly language, firmware, or source code. Examples of computer-readable media that may be used to store instructions, information used, and/or information created during methods according to described examples include magnetic or optical disks, flash memory, USB devices provided with non-volatile memory, networked storage devices, and so on.

Devices implementing methods according to these disclosures can comprise hardware, firmware and/or software, and can take any of a variety of form factors. Typical examples of such form factors include laptops, smart phones, small form factor personal computers, personal digital assistants, rackmount devices, standalone devices, and so on. Functionality described herein also can be embodied in peripherals or add-in cards. Such functionality can also be implemented on a circuit board among different chips or different processes executing in a single device, by way of further example.

The instructions, media for conveying such instructions, computing resources for executing them, and other structures for supporting such computing resources are means for providing the functions described in these disclosures.

Although a variety of examples and other information was used to explain aspects within the scope of the appended claims, no limitation of the claims should be implied based on particular features or arrangements in such examples, as one of ordinary skill would be able to use these examples to derive a wide variety of implementations. Further and although some subject matter may have been described in language specific to examples of structural features and/or method steps, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to these described features or acts. For example, such functionality can be distributed differently or performed in components other than those identified herein. Rather, the described features and steps are disclosed as examples of components of systems and methods within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, claim language reciting “at least one of” a set indicates that one member of the set or multiple members of the set satisfy the claim.

For clarity of explanation, in some instances the present technology may be presented as including individual functional blocks including functional blocks comprising devices, device components, steps or routines in a method embodied in software, or combinations of hardware and software.

Note that in certain example implementations, the optimization and/or placement functions outlined herein may be implemented by logic encoded in one or more tangible, non-transitory media (e.g., embedded logic provided in an application specific integrated circuit [ASIC], digital signal processor [DSP] instructions, software [potentially inclusive of object code and source code] to be executed by a processor, or other similar machine, etc.). The computer-readable storage devices, mediums, and memories can include a cable or wireless signal containing a bit stream and the like. However, when mentioned, non-transitory computer-readable storage media expressly exclude media such as energy, carrier signals, electromagnetic waves, and signals per se.

Methods according to the above-described examples can be implemented using computer-executable instructions that are stored or otherwise available from computer readable media. Such instructions can comprise, for example, instructions and data which cause or otherwise configure a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or special purpose processing device to perform a certain function or group of functions. Portions of computer resources used can be accessible over a network. The computer executable instructions may be, for example, binaries, intermediate format instructions such as assembly language, firmware, or source code. Examples of computer-readable media that may be used to store instructions, information used, and/or information created during methods according to described examples include magnetic or optical disks, flash memory, USB devices provided with non-volatile memory, networked storage devices, and so on.

Devices implementing methods according to these disclosures can comprise hardware, firmware and/or software, and can take any of a variety of form factors. Typical examples of such form factors include laptops, smart phones, small form factor personal computers, personal digital assistants, and so on. Functionality described herein also can be embodied in peripherals or add-in cards. Such functionality can also be implemented on a circuit board among different chips or different processes executing in a single device, by way of further example.

The instructions, media for conveying such instructions, computing resources for executing them, and other structures for supporting such computing resources are means for providing the functions described in these disclosures.

Although a variety of examples and other information was used to explain aspects within the scope of the appended claims, no limitation of the claims should be implied based on particular features or arrangements in such examples, as one of ordinary skill would be able to use these examples to derive a wide variety of implementations. Further and although some subject matter may have been described in language specific to examples of structural features and/or method steps, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to these described features or acts. For example, such functionality can be distributed differently or performed in components other than those identified herein. Rather, the described features and steps are disclosed as examples of components of systems and methods within the scope of the appended claims. 

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method comprising: appending, by a source node, a first unique identifier to a first outbound client packet scheduled to be transmitted from the source node to a first recipient node; after appending the first unique identifier to the first outbound client packet: transmitting, by the source node, the first outbound client packet to the first recipient node via a first port of the source node, and creating a first transmission record including the first unique identifier, a time stamp of the first outbound client packet, and an identifier for the first port, wherein the time stamp value of the first outbound client packet indicates a time at which the first outbound client packet was transmitted by the source node to the first recipient node; receiving, by the source node, a first inbound client packet from the first recipient node, the first inbound client packet appended with the first unique identifier and a first delta time indicating an amount of elapsed time between the first recipient node receiving the first outbound client packet and the first recipient node transmitting the first inbound client packet; and determining, by the source node, a performance level of a first Virtual Private Network (VPN) tunnel provided by the first port based on the time stamp value of the first outbound client packet, the first delta time, and a time stamp value of the first inbound client packet, wherein the time stamp value of the first inbound client packet indicates a time at which the first inbound client packet was received by the source node.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: appending a second unique identifier to a second outbound client packet scheduled to be transmitted from the source node to a second recipient node; after appending the second unique identifier to the second outbound client packet: transmitting the second outbound client packet to the second recipient node via a second port of the source node, and creating a second transmission record including the second unique identifier, a transmission time stamp of the second outbound client packet, and an identifier for the second port, wherein the transmission time stamp of the second outbound client packet indicates a time at which the second outbound client packet was transmitted by the source node to the second recipient node; receiving a second inbound client packet from the second recipient node, the second inbound client packet appended with the second unique identifier and a second delta time indicating an amount of elapsed time between the second recipient node receiving the second outbound client packet and the second recipient node transmitting the second inbound client packet; and determining a performance level of a second VPN tunnel provided by the second port based on the transmission time of the second outbound client packet, the second delta time, and a time stamp value of the second inbound client packet, wherein the time stamp value of the second inbound client packet indicates a time at which the second inbound client packet was received by the source node.
 3. The method of claim 2, further comprising: determining, based on the performance level of the first VPN tunnel and the performance level of the second VPN tunnel, that the first VPN tunnel is performing better than the second VPN tunnel; and in response to determining that the first VPN tunnel is performing better than the second VPN tunnel, designating the first port as a preferred port.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein determining a performance level of the first VPN tunnel comprises: determining a total response time for the first VPN tunnel spanning from the time stamp value of the first outbound client packet to the time stamp value of the first inbound client packet; subtracting the first delta time from the total response time, yielding an actual transmission time for the first VPN tunnel; and determining the performance level of the first VPN tunnel based on the actual transmission time for the first VPN tunnel.
 5. The method of claim 1, further comprising: after receiving the first inbound client packet, identifying the first transmission record based on the first unique identifier included in the first inbound client packet.
 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising: prior to appending the first outbound client packet, reducing a Maximum Transmission Unit (MTU) for the first VPN tunnel to ensure that at least a threshold amount of unused bytes are available in data packets transmitted via the first VPN tunnel for appended data.
 7. The method of claim 2, wherein the first recipient node is different than the second recipient node.
 8. A source node comprising: one or more computer processors; and a memory storing instructions that, when executed by the one or more computer processors, cause the source node to: append a first unique identifier to a first outbound client packet scheduled to be transmitted from the source node to a first recipient node; after appending the first unique identifier to the first outbound client packet: transmit the first outbound client packet to the first recipient node via a first port of the source node, and create a first transmission record including the first unique identifier, a time stamp of the first outbound client packet, and an identifier for the first port, wherein the time stamp value of the first outbound client packet indicates a time at which the first outbound client packet was transmitted by the source node to the first recipient node; receive a first inbound client packet from the first recipient node, the first inbound client packet appended with the first unique identifier and a first delta time indicating an amount of elapsed time between the first recipient node receiving the first outbound client packet and the first recipient node transmitting the first inbound client packet; and determine a performance level of a first Virtual Private Network (VPN) tunnel provided by the first port based on the time stamp value of the first outbound client packet, the first delta time, and a time stamp value of the first inbound client packet, wherein the time stamp value of the first inbound client packet indicates a time at which the first inbound client packet was received by the source node.
 9. The source node of claim 8, wherein the instructions further cause the source node to: append a second unique identifier to a second outbound client packet scheduled to be transmitted from the source node to a second recipient node; after appending the second unique identifier to the second outbound client packet: transmit the second outbound client packet to the second recipient node via a second port of the source node, and create a second transmission record including the second unique identifier, a transmission time stamp of the second outbound client packet, and an identifier for the second port, wherein the transmission time stamp of the second outbound client packet indicates a time at which the second outbound client packet was transmitted by the source node to the second recipient node; receive a second inbound client packet from the second recipient node, the second inbound client packet appended with the second unique identifier and a second delta time indicating an amount of elapsed time between the second recipient node receiving the second outbound client packet and the second recipient node transmitting the second inbound client packet; and determine a performance level of a second VPN tunnel provided by the second port based on the transmission time of the second outbound client packet, the second delta time, and a time stamp value of the second inbound client packet, wherein the time stamp value of the second inbound client packet indicates a time at which the second inbound client packet was received by the source node.
 10. The source node of claim 9, wherein the instructions further cause the source node to: determine, based on the performance level of the first VPN tunnel and the performance level of the second VPN tunnel, that the first VPN tunnel is performing better than the second VPN tunnel; and in response to determining that the first VPN tunnel is performing better than the second VPN tunnel, designate the first port as a preferred port.
 11. The source node of claim 8, wherein determining a performance level of the first VPN tunnel comprises: determining a total response time for the first VPN tunnel spanning from the time stamp value of the first outbound client packet to the time stamp value of the first inbound client packet; subtracting the first delta time from the total response time, yielding an actual transmission time for the first VPN tunnel; and determining the performance level of the first VPN tunnel based on the actual transmission time for the first VPN tunnel.
 12. The source node of claim 8, wherein the instructions further cause the source node to: after receiving the first inbound client packet, identify the first transmission record based on the first unique identifier included in the first inbound client packet.
 13. The source node of claim 8, wherein the instructions further cause the source node to: prior to appending the first outbound client packet, reduce a Maximum Transmission Unit (MTU) for the first VPN tunnel to ensure that at least a threshold amount of unused bytes are available in data packets transmitted via the first VPN tunnel for appended data.
 14. The source node of claim 9, wherein the first recipient node is different than the second recipient node.
 15. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by the one or more computer processors, cause the source node to: append a first unique identifier to a first outbound client packet scheduled to be transmitted from the source node to a first recipient node; after appending the first unique identifier to the first outbound client packet: transmit the first outbound client packet to the first recipient node via a first port of the source node, and create a first transmission record including the first unique identifier, a time stamp of the first outbound client packet, and an identifier for the first port, wherein the time stamp value of the first outbound client packet indicates a time at which the first outbound client packet was transmitted by the source node to the first recipient node; receive a first inbound client packet from the first recipient node, the first inbound client packet appended with the first unique identifier and a first delta time indicating an amount of elapsed time between the first recipient node receiving the first outbound client packet and the first recipient node transmitting the first inbound client packet; and determine a performance level of a first Virtual Private Network (VPN) tunnel provided by the first port based on the time stamp value of the first outbound client packet, the first delta time, and a time stamp value of the first inbound client packet, wherein the time stamp value of the first inbound client packet indicates a time at which the first inbound client packet was received by the source node.
 16. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 15, wherein the instructions further cause the source node to: append a second unique identifier to a second outbound client packet scheduled to be transmitted from the source node to a second recipient node; after appending the second unique identifier to the second outbound client packet: transmit the second outbound client packet to the second recipient node via a second port of the source node, and create a second transmission record including the second unique identifier, a transmission time stamp of the second outbound client packet, and an identifier for the second port, wherein the transmission time stamp of the second outbound client packet indicates a time at which the second outbound client packet was transmitted by the source node to the second recipient node; receive a second inbound client packet from the second recipient node, the second inbound client packet appended with the second unique identifier and a second delta time indicating an amount of elapsed time between the second recipient node receiving the second outbound client packet and the second recipient node transmitting the second inbound client packet; and determine a performance level of a second VPN tunnel provided by the second port based on the transmission time of the second outbound client packet, the second delta time, and a time stamp value of the second inbound client packet, wherein the time stamp value of the second inbound client packet indicates a time at which the second inbound client packet was received by the source node.
 17. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 16, wherein the instructions further cause the source node to: determine, based on the performance level of the first VPN tunnel and the performance level of the second VPN tunnel, that the first VPN tunnel is performing better than the second VPN tunnel; and in response to determining that the first VPN tunnel is performing better than the second VPN tunnel, designate the first port as a preferred port.
 18. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 15, wherein determining a performance level of the first VPN tunnel comprises: determining a total response time for the first VPN tunnel spanning from the time stamp value of the first outbound client packet to the time stamp value of the first inbound client packet; subtracting the first delta time from the total response time, yielding an actual transmission time for the first VPN tunnel; and determining the performance level of the first VPN tunnel based on the actual transmission time for the first VPN tunnel.
 19. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 15, wherein the instructions further cause the source node to: after receiving the first inbound client packet, identify the first transmission record based on the first unique identifier included in the first inbound client packet.
 20. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 15, wherein the instructions further cause the source node to: prior to appending the first outbound client packet, reduce a Maximum Transmission Unit (MTU) for the first VPN tunnel to ensure that at least a threshold amount of unused bytes are available in data packets transmitted via the first VPN tunnel for appended data. 